Back to School, Book a Trip: How Planning Ahead Saves You $$
As the school year kicks into gear and calendars fill up fast, this is the best time to hit pause and think ahead. Want to avoid the stress of sold-out resorts or sky-high airfare? Booking early gives you access to the best prices, availability, and upgrades—especially if you’re planning around school breaks like Thanksgiving, February Vacation, or Spring Break.
This guide is your cheat sheet for why now is the sweet spot for planning—and where to go.
See yourself here?
🕒 Best Times to Book
Planning travel around school vacations requires strategy. These are your key planning windows:
Thanksgiving Break: Book by October 15th for family-friendly villas and Caribbean resorts.
Christmas/New Year’s Week: Ideally booked 10–12 months in advance, but early fall can still snag premium options if you’re flexible.
February Vacation: Best booked between August–October. Direct flights and top-tier resorts go fast.
April Vacation / Spring Break: Booking by October/November ensures you get your choice of destination, family rooms, and flight times.
Summer 2026 Europe Trips: Yes, now! This is when group space and flights are released, and many of my clients are already booking.
Booking early doesn’t just mean peace of mind—it can mean real savings.
💸 Why It Pays to Plan Now
Booking early doesn’t just mean peace of mind—it can mean real savings. Here's how:
Airfare: Prices rise significantly closer to departure, especially around school breaks. Booking 5–6 months out locks in better rates.
Room Categories: Entry-level rooms sell first. Planning early means access to ocean views, family suites, or premium club-level perks.
Group Perks: When I organize group space, early bookers benefit from exclusive pricing, upgrades, or bonus offers.
Payment Flexibility: More time = manageable payment plans instead of a lump sum right before you travel.
🛳️ Wave Season Preview: What’s Coming for 2026-2027
Even though January is the official kickoff for Wave Season (aka cruise deal season), many cruise lines quietly release early promos in fall. That includes:
Group space on Royal Caribbean (like “Europe with Marci 2026” and “Alaska with Marci 2027”)
AmaWaterways river cruise incentives with onboard credits or 2-for-1 offers
Exclusive stateroom blocks that only I can access as a travel advisor
Getting on my radar now means you’ll be the first to know about the best values and hidden gems.
🧭 Marci’s Jetsetter Picks for School Breaks
Here’s where I’m sending smart families this year and next—tailored to each break:
🦃 Thanksgiving Week
Riviera Maya – Easy flights, great all-inclusives, short 4–5 night stays
Disney World (pre-holiday decor!)
Charleston or Savannah – Charming U.S. cities with history and food
Puerto Rico- Another option with easy flights and great beaches, and no passport required
Napa/Sonoma – For couples with college-age kids or empty nesters
❄️ February Vacation
Punta Cana – Top pick for great value + nonstop flights from many cities
Costa Rica – Eco-adventures, hot springs, and luxury lodges
Cabo San Lucas – Whale watching, chef-driven resorts, quick trip from West Coast
French Alps – For ski-loving families wanting a European winter
🌸 April Vacation / Spring Break
Greece – Shoulder season magic! Athens + islands like Paros or Naxos
Italy – Rome, Florence, and Amalfi before peak crowds
Aruba or Turks & Caicos – Great weather and luxe beach resorts
California Road Trips – Yosemite, Big Sur, and family glamping
🌞 Summer 2026
Europe with Marci: Harmony of the Seas – Group cruise to Spain, France, and Italy
St. John, USVI – Villas, snorkeling, and no passport required
Portugal – Affordable luxury, surf towns, and delicious food
Mediterranean Yachting or River Cruise – AmaWaterways charters or Explora Journeys
AmaWaterway’s Amaviola, navigating the Danube in Budapest
🎁 BONUS OFFER:
Book your February or April break trip by October 31 and I’ll waive the Jetsetter Society planning fee for returning clients and group members. New clients? Ask about my referral discount!
💬 Let’s Make It Happen
Don’t wait until your calendar’s packed and prices skyrocket. Whether you're dreaming of a winter escape or mapping out next summer’s adventure, let’s get ahead of the crowds (and the costs).
✨ DM me to chat about your perfect trip—or click the link below to schedule a quick planning call. Your next getaway starts now.
